Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.

League Table Overview

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.

Other Continental Matches

In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.

Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• Inter remain in close contention for the Italian title.
• Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
• The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.